Monessen Civic Center Sees Promising Growth

Last Updated on Wednesday, 01 December 2021 23:12

By Matt Shorraw

Mayor, City of Monessen

Since the City of Monessen reorganized its Recreation Board and hired a Recreation Director earlier this year, City Officials are beginning to see some positive growth at the Monessen Civic Center - a safe place for kids and parents to enjoy recreation, programming, and other opportunities.

Since, reopening, the Civic Center offices were cleaned; old furniture and other unused items were removed, and new safety measures were put in place, such as a first aid kit, updated fire extinguishers, an AED, and multiple Narcan kits.

With the leadership of the City's new Recreation Director, 22-year old, Julian Naphier, the Civic Center will be partnering with Scholastic to provide free books for Children. Partnerships have also been formed with the Monessen Public Library, Monessen Communities That Care, and the Monessen Youth and Young Citizens Board, which are all dedicated to helping Monessen's youth succeed.

Since re-opening, the Civic Center has held about 15 to 20 events for organizations and individuals, ranging from movie nights to basketball, meetings, and birthday parties. Naphier was also able to help multiple children during basketball practices held at the center. Additionally, the Civic Center is also acting as a donation center for items for the City's homeless youth - an initiative being undertaken by the City's new Youth and Young Citizens Board.

Recreation Director Julian Naphier is also in the process of planning a Middle High School talent show to partner with Monessen High School / Middle School and the City's Recreation Department.

Napier says, "Thanks to having a great team working with City Hall and great partners throughout the community and having a great Recreation board to work with we were able to get these things done. I am glad to have been hired in this position and look forward to all the upcoming events and community service projects we can participate in."

The Monessen Civic Center is available for events, rentals, services, and public outreach for the Community.